As spring unfolds and summer approaches, many people are eager to enjoy the great outdoors, bringing their pets along for the adventure. However, this newfound freedom comes with a significant risk: tick bites. With the warmer weather, ticks become more prevalent, posing a threat to both humans and animals. Dr. Hannah Godfrey, a veterinarian at Petsure, warns that the increase in outdoor activity heightens the risk of Lyme disease, a serious illness that can affect pets and their owners alike.
Ticks, small spider-like creatures, thrive in grassy and woody areas. They are most active during spring and summer, and their presence can be particularly pronounced in regions like southern England and the Scottish Highlands. "You can recognize a tick by their oval-shaped bodies and spider-like legs. They’re usually very small, less than one centimeter long, and can vary in color but are often brown or white," Dr. Godfrey explains. As they feed, ticks embed their mouthparts deep into the skin of their hosts, which can include both animals and humans.
One of the most alarming diseases transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease, which can lead to severe health issues in dogs, including kidney failure. Dr. Godfrey notes that early signs of Lyme disease include a lack of appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. These symptoms can manifest weeks or even months after a tick bite, making early detection crucial.
In addition to Lyme disease, ticks can transmit other dangerous pathogens, such as the Babesia parasite, which causes babesiosis. This condition damages red blood cells and can lead to severe anemia or organ failure. Dr. Godfrey emphasizes that some tick bites can even cause paralysis in dogs, with symptoms typically appearing three to nine days after the tick attaches itself. Paralysis usually begins with a loss of coordination in the back legs, followed by changes in breathing, vomiting, or gagging.
To protect pets from ticks, Dr. Godfrey recommends several preventive measures. First, pet owners should conduct tick checks after outdoor excursions, focusing on areas like the head, ears, belly, and armpits. Additionally, using tick control products, such as collars, sprays, and spot-on treatments, can help prevent tick bites. However, it is essential to use products specifically recommended by a veterinarian, as treatments for cats can be harmful to dogs and vice versa.
Another practical step is to maintain a well-groomed garden. While ticks are more commonly found in woodland areas, they can also inhabit gardens. Keeping grass and vegetation trimmed short can help reduce tick populations.
The concern over tick-borne diseases is not limited to pets. As Erin Woodiel, a media specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation, points out, humans are also at risk. "Ticks are always outdoors, but starting in April, they become more prevalent. The way they look for a host is they climb to the top of grasses or try to get as tall as they can and reach out to latch on to humans or other mammals as they walk by," Woodiel explains.
She advises that if a tick is on a person for an extended period, it has more time to transmit diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists several illnesses transmitted by ticks, including Anaplasmosis, Lyme disease, Tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. When removing a tick, it is crucial not to squeeze its belly, as this can push the blood back into the host. Instead, Woodiel recommends pinching as close to the bite source as possible.
In Vienna, the city is taking proactive measures against tick-borne diseases by offering vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) from April 14 until May 9, 2025. The municipal vaccination center TownTown will be administering these vaccinations to individuals aged one and older. The protective effect of the vaccine begins about two weeks after the second dose, which is administered four weeks after the first. It is recommended that people receive booster vaccinations every five years, or every three years for those aged 60 and over.
While the TBE vaccination provides protection against this specific virus, there is currently no vaccine for Lyme disease. However, effective antibiotic treatment options are available for those who contract the disease.
As the weather warms and outdoor activities increase, awareness of ticks and the diseases they carry is more critical than ever. With proper precautions, individuals can enjoy the beauty of nature while keeping themselves and their pets safe from the dangers of tick bites. The combination of vigilance, preventive measures, and available treatments can help mitigate the risks associated with these tiny but potentially harmful creatures.
In light of the ongoing discussions around tick-borne diseases, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Recent comments by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have reignited speculation about the origins of Lyme disease, with some suggesting it may have been developed as a bioweapon at the Plum Island Animal Disease Center. However, experts have dismissed these claims, stating that the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease has been found in specimens dating back long before the establishment of the lab.
Infectious disease experts and the Department of Homeland Security emphasize that there is no evidence supporting the theory that Lyme disease originated from Plum Island. The bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, was identified in ticks before the lab was even established, with historical specimens indicating its presence for thousands of years. The speculation surrounding Plum Island serves as a reminder of how easily misinformation can spread, particularly when it comes to complex health issues.
As the season progresses, it’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their furry companions from the threat of ticks and the diseases they carry. By remaining vigilant and educated, we can all enjoy the great outdoors safely.
